Arabic version: رفض دول الاتحاد الأوروبي فرض عقوبات على الوزير الإسرائيلي بن غفير
European Union member states have failed to agree on proposals to sanction Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, according to Al Jazeera. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, announced this failure during a media conference on Monday, revealing that while many states proposed economic restrictions, no consensus on that was reached today.
The opposition to sanctions has been notable, with several EU countries criticizing Ben-Gvir for his treatment of activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were detained by Israeli forces while attempting to reach Gaza last month. However, the requirement for unanimity among EU member states has hindered the proposal’s approval. Although Kallas did not specify which countries opposed the sanctions, reports indicate that Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic are among them.
In addition to the failed sanctions proposal, Kallas mentioned that many member states have requested the EU Commission to prepare options for limiting trade with illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. She indicated that this request would be conveyed to the Commission, aiming to present a list of potential trade measures, including preventing imports from these settlements.
The EU has recently taken steps to increase pressure on Israel, including a move to impose economic restrictions on violent settlers accused of human rights abuses in the West Bank. This comes in response to a widely shared video showing Ben-Gvir mocking detained activists, which sparked outrage in various EU nations, including Italy and France. Investigations have been opened in Italy and France regarding allegations of kidnapping, torture, and war crimes related to these incidents.
The EU remains Israel’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 30 percent of Israel’s total trade in goods last year. The ongoing discussions and actions reflect a growing scrutiny of Israel’s policies and actions in the region.
